Jeff Bobo

ROGERSVILLE — Multiple fundraising attempts have been launched recently to help the Rogersville Cinema 4 pay for new equipment for the impending switch to digital projection by all of the studios.

Although Paramount has already made the switch from the 35 millimeter format that Cinema 4 currently uses, Cinema 4 owner Larry Maysilles said he and other small theater owners across the country have been informed that Fox and Disney will soon follow suit.

Maysilles said unless he raises enough money for the digital conversion he may have to shut down his theater when the other studios eliminate 35-millimeter film.

He is anticipating it will cost $75,000 to $80,000 each to convert his four theaters to digital. Maysilles admits that he won’t be able to make the conversion without help. The goal is to convert the theaters one at a time as funds become available.

“The Chamber of Commerce is working with us, and the city fathers have met twice,” Maysilles said. “We’re starting to get a little bit of money coming in on our donation webpage, and we’ve also got a post office box in Rogersville where we’re taking donations. As long as the other studios keep producing 35 millimeter film we’re going to be able to stay open.”